MYTH ABOUT INFORMATION SEEKING BY DERVIN (1976)

Information seeking is a central aspect of human behaviour, influencing learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. In 1976, Brenda Dervin challenged common assumptions about how people seek, use, and value information. She identified several “myths” that reflect traditional beliefs about information behaviour, showing that real-life practices often differ from these idealized assumptions. Understanding these myths helps in designing more effective information systems, services, and educational strategies that account for human behaviour and context.

Dervin (1976) challenged several common assumptions about information seeking, highlighting the complexity of how individuals interact with information. She argued against the notion that only objective information is valuable, noting that people often rely on accessible sources, such as friends or personal experience, and tend to settle for solutions that are satisfactory rather than optimal. Similarly, the belief that more information is always better is misleading, as an overload of information can impede understanding; having information does not necessarily mean being informed.

Dervin also questioned the idea that objective information can be understood in isolation. People interpret facts within the context of their existing knowledge, beliefs, and emotions, and are unlikely to absorb information that cannot be meaningfully connected. She further noted that information acquisition is not limited to formal sources; informal channels, including family, friends, and community networks, are critical in everyday life.

Contrary to the assumption that there is relevant information for every need, Dervin emphasized that many human needs-physical, emotional, or psychological cannot be satisfied by information alone. Likewise, not every need situation has a solution provided by formal systems, as people often seek reassurance or understanding rather than formal answers.

Finally, she highlighted the limitations of formal information systems, stressing that making information available or accessible does not guarantee usefulness, since individual questions are often unpredictable. Moreover, she pointed out that time, space, and personal context are crucial in shaping information needs; the individual’s perception of a situation often influences the type of information they seek, and the sense of urgency associated with it (Dervin, 1976).

Dervin’s myths highlight that information behaviour is complex, context-dependent, and socially influenced. People do not always act rationally, rely on formal sources, or find solutions purely through objective information. Understanding these myths allows information professionals, educators, and system designers to focus on user-centered approaches that consider context, interpretation, and individual needs rather than assuming standardized behaviour.